Origin
Sonchus arvensis L. var. glabrescens Guenth., Grab. & Wimmer is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. The species can be found in various parts of the world, including Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known by names such as Field sowthistle, Perennial sow-thistle, Corn sow-thistle and Creeping sow-thistle.
Uses
The Sonchus arvensis L. var. glabrescens Guenth., Grab. & Wimmer plant has many uses. It is used as a food source for livestock, especially for grazing animals like sheep and cattle. The young leaves can also be boiled and eaten as a vegetable, while the mature leaves are used in salads or cooked as a potherb. The plant has medicinal uses as well, as it is believed to have anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties.
General Appearance
The Sonchus arvensis L. var. glabrescens Guenth., Grab. & Wimmer plant has a tall, erect stem that can grow up to 150 cm in height. The stem is usually greenish in color and is covered with long, soft hairs. The leaves are dark green and are deeply lobed with wavy or toothed edges. The plant produces yellow flowers that are arranged in loose clusters, and the flowers mature into small, brownish-black fruits. Sonchus arvensis L. var. glabrescens Guenth., Grab. & Wimmer can grow in many types of soil and is often found in fields, pastures, and waste areas.
Light Requirements
Sonchus arvensis var. glabrescens typically thrives in full sun or partial shade. It does not do well in full shade, and if planted in such conditions, it may show stunted growth, elongated stems, and small leaves.
Temperature Requirements
This plant prefers temperate to warm climates. It grows best when the temperature is between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius, with a maximum temperature of 30 degrees Celsius. This plant can tolerate light frost, but extreme winter conditions may cause the plant to die off.
Soil Requirements
Sonchus arvensis var. glabrescens grows well in a wide range of soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soil. However, it requires well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging, which can cause the roots to rot. The soil pH should be neutral to slightly acidic. If the soil is too alkaline, iron deficiencies may occur, leading to chlorosis or yellowing of the leaves.
Cultivation methods
Sonchus arvensis L. var. glabrescens Guenth., Grab. & Wimmer, commonly known as the field sow thistle, is a hardy plant that can thrive in a variety of soils, including sandy and loamy soils. The plant prefers a sunny location but can also grow in partially shaded areas.
The best way to cultivate the plant is to sow the seeds directly into the soil during the spring. The seeds should be sown in rows, with each row being spaced about 12 inches apart. The seeds should be planted at a depth of about 1/4 inch.
Once the seeds have been sown, they should be watered and kept moist until they germinate. After germination, the seedlings should be thinned out to allow for proper spacing between the plants.
Watering needs
Sonchus arvensis L. var. glabrescens Guenth., Grab. & Wimmer, requires regular watering during the growing season. The plant prefers moist soil but can also tolerate drought conditions to some extent.
To ensure proper watering, it is best to water the plant deeply once a week. Avoid watering the plant during the hottest part of the day as it can cause the water to evaporate quickly, leaving the plant thirsty.
Fertilization
Sonchus arvensis L. var. glabrescens Guenth., Grab. & Wimmer, does not require a lot of fertilizer. However, adding a small amount of fertilizer during the growing season can help to promote healthy growth.
The best type of fertilizer to use is a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer. Apply the fertilizer according to the manufacturer's instructions, being careful not to over-fertilize the plant.
Pruning
Sonchus arvensis L. var. glabrescens Guenth., Grab. & Wimmer, does not require regular pruning. The plant can be left to grow naturally and will continue to produce flowers and seeds.
However, if the plant becomes too tall or overcrowded, it can be pruned back to promote bushier growth. Pruning should be done in the early spring before the plant begins to grow. Use clean, sharp pruning shears to avoid damaging the plant.
Propagation of Sonchus arvensis L. var. glabrescens Guenth., Grab. & Wimmer
Sonchus arvensis L. var. glabrescens Guenth., Grab. & Wimmer, commonly known as the field sow-thistle, is a perennial plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. This plant is propagated both by seeds and by vegetative methods.
Propagation by seeds
The most common way to propagate Sonchus arvensis L. var. glabrescens Guenth., Grab. & Wimmer is by seeds. Seeds should be sown at the beginning of spring, in a well-drained soil. They should be sown directly in the soil, at a depth of around 1 cm.
Before sowing, the seeds should be stratified for a period of 2-4 weeks, in a moist substrate, in the fridge. This can be done by placing the seeds in a plastic bag with damp vermiculite or peat, and keeping them at a temperature of 4-5 °C.
The germination of Sonchus arvensis L. var. glabrescens Guenth., Grab. & Wimmer seeds takes around 2-3 weeks. Once the seedlings have developed a few leaves, they should be thinned out to a distance of around 20-30 cm from each other.
Propagation by vegetative methods
Sonchus arvensis L. var. glabrescens Guenth., Grab. & Wimmer can also be propagated by vegetative methods, such as division or cuttings.
Division can be done in spring or autumn, by digging up the adult plant and dividing it into smaller portions, which can be replanted in a well-drained soil, at a distance of around 30-40 cm from each other.
Cuttings can be taken from the adult plant in spring or summer, and should be around 5-10 cm in length. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cuttings should be planted in a well-drained soil, keeping the substrate moist until rooting occurs.
Disease Management
Sonchus arvensis L. var. glabrescens Guenth., Grab. & Wimmer can be affected by several fungal and bacterial diseases. Some common diseases and their management strategies are as follows:
- Leaf spot: This fungal disease causes small spots on the leaves which eventually turn brown and drop off. Management strategies include timely removal and destruction of infected leaves, applying fungicides, and ensuring good air circulation around the plants.
- Mildew: Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease that affects many plants, including Sonchus arvensis L. var. glabrescens Guenth., Grab. & Wimmer. White, powdery patches appear on the leaves, stems, and flowers. Management strategies include removing and destroying infected parts of the plant, avoiding overhead watering and providing good air circulation.
- Fire blight: This bacterial disease causes wilting, blackening, and dieback of the entire plant. Management strategies include timely removal and destruction of infected plants and avoiding over-fertilization and pruning.
Pest Management
Sonchus arvensis L. var. glabrescens Guenth., Grab. & Wimmer can also be affected by a variety of pests. Some common pests and their management strategies are as follows:
- Aphids: These small insects suck the sap from the leaves and stems, weakening the plant and causing it to wilt. Management strategies include spraying the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil, introducing natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings, and keeping the plant well-watered and fertilized.
- Spider mites: These tiny pests live on the underside of the leaves and feed on the sap, causing the leaves to turn yellow and drop off. Management strategies include wiping the leaves with a damp cloth, spraying the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil, and maintaining a humid environment.
- Caterpillars: These larvae feed on the leaves, causing large holes and defoliation. Management strategies include picking the caterpillars off by hand, spraying the plant with Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) or a natural insecticide like pyrethrin, and introducing natural predators like birds and wasps.
